calipers

• callipers

A corruption of caliber.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkæl.ɪ.pəz/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈkæl.ɪ.pɚz/

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

calipers pl (plural only)

1. A device used to measure dimensions, especially for small or precise measurements.
   • 1899 February, Joseph Conrad, “The Heart of Darkness”, in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, volume CLXV, number M, New York, N.Y.: The Leonard Scott Publishing Company, […], →OCLC, part I:

     "Good, good for there," he mumbled, and then with a certain eagerness asked me whether I would let him measure my head. Rather surprised, I said Yes, when he produced a thing like calipers and got the dimensions back and front and every way, taking notes carefully.

2. (UK) A metal (orthopedic) leg support.

   Synonym: (US) leg braces

   • 1988, Bapsi Sidhwa, Ice-Candy Man, Daunt Books (2016), page 4:

     And simultaneously I raise my trouser cuff to reveal the leather straps and wicked steel calipers harnessing my right boot.

• caliber, calibre
• vernier caliper

• compass

• earclips, replicas, spiracle